What does Matthew 22:45 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 22:45 poses a question that Jesus Christ asks the Pharisees regarding the identity of the Messiah and his relationship to King David, a central figure in Jewish history.

The full context is that Jesus is citing Psalm 110:1, where David refers to the Messiah as "Lord." If the Messiah were merely a descendant of David, as was the common Jewish expectation, it would be unusual for David to call him "Lord," a title denoting someone of higher authority than oneself.

Jesus uses this argument to challenge the prevailing understanding of the Messiah as a solely earthly king and to hint at his own divine nature and authority that transcends David's.

Historical Context

At the time of Jesus, Israel was under the dominion of the Roman Empire, and there was a strong expectation among the Jews for a Messiah who would be a political and military leader like King David.

This leader was expected to restore Israel to independence and glory.

The teaching and authority of Jesus had come into conflict with the leading religious authorities of the day, the Pharisees, and Sadducees.

This questioning occurs during a series of debates between Jesus and these leaders in the temple during what is commonly referred to as Passion Week, the final week of Jesus' life before his crucifixion.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Matthew 22:45 is interpreted as Jesus subtly revealing his divine nature, and pre-existence, asserting that the Messiah is not just a son (descendant) of David but also his Lord.

This points to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity where Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

Jewish interpretations, however, do not accept Jesus as the Messiah, and consequently interpret Psalm 110 differently, often viewing it as David speaking in the name of the Messiah or as referring to Abraham or even to Melchizedek.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse encourages believers to understand and seek a deeper insight into the nature of Jesus Christ, not just as a historical figure or a prophesied Jewish Messiah, but as the eternal Son of God.

It also serves as a reminder that God's plans are often beyond human expectations and that true wisdom requires humility and openness to divine revelation.

Cross-References

• Psalm 110:1: "The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."
• Matthew 22:41-44: "While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying..."

• Acts 2:34-35: "For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the term "Lord" translates to "κύριος" (kyrios), which can mean master, sir, or lord and is used to denote someone with authority.

The use of the term by David is significant because it implies recognition of a superior authority.

The rhetorical question "how is he his son?" involves the Greek word "υἱός" (huios), which translates as "son," but could also mean descendant, emphasizing the physical lineage from David.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn between this passage and the Egyptian and Mesopotamian rulers who were often deified and seen as gods rather than merely human descendants.

In the same manner, Jesus could be hinting at a divine aspect that is recognized in other cultures, but with a unique Jewish monotheistic twist that the one God exists in a triune nature.

Scientific Perspectives

Science does not directly address theological claims about divinity or the spiritual lineage of figures like Messiah.

However, the field of genetics could provide insight into the human understanding of lineage and inheritance, which is a central theme in the verse.

Genetic lineage has shown how traits and DNA are passed through generations, but from a scientific viewpoint, it does not speak to the concept of divine nature.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians often interpret Matthew 22:45 as one of the significant messianic prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.

For instance, John Calvin sees this verse as a testimony of Christ’s divine authority.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges commentary suggests that it was known the Messiah should be "of the house and lineage of David," yet they were neglecting the higher truth of His divine Lordship.

Many modern commentators agree that Jesus was expanding the understanding of the Messiah's identity beyond the contemporary Jewish expectations.